The Sydney Swans reserves have been defeated for the first time since round two, going down to UWS by 43 points at the SCG in Saturday afternoon.

A match that started in relatively fine conditions, deteriorated as a spectacle as the wind and clouds rolled in at the early stages of the second quarter.

But there would be no denying UWS’s performance as they held the Swans to just two scoring shots in the second half, while piling on 20 of their own to defeat the current top team in the NEAFL – still holding top spot on the ladder by 0.73 of a per cent.

The Swans started the match brightly, with Dean Towers, on return from a cracked rib, marking inside 50 within the opening minute. Unfortunately he couldn’t cap his return with an immediate goal, as his set shot drifted wide.

But the hosts didn’t have to wait much longer to split the big sticks, with Toby Nankervis hauling in a contested mark at the top of the goalsquare and converting the set-shot. Goals to top-up player Harry Dobson and Tim Membrey, either side of UWS goals to Sam Reid and Jed Lamb gave the Swans an eight-point lead at the first break.

From there though, UWS were able to control the contest around the ground and limit the Swans’ attacking options. Game-ending injuries to Gary Rohan following a huge collision with Lachie Plowman, and Aliir Aliir didn’t help the home side’s cause, as well as Membrey being withdrawn from the game as the non-playing emergency.

UWS got an early break to start the second half after a free kick to Jacob Townsend in the goalsquare resulted in a goal. The free kick followed a scuffle between the two sides with dual premiership player Ryan O’Keefe seemingly targeted.

Matt Dick was able to snag a running goal off the half-back line against the run of play to keep the Swans in the match, but UWS finished with the last five goals of the game to run out winners by over seven goals.

Shane Biggs was the leading possession-getter for the Swans with 30 off the half-back line, while Jordan Lockyer (28) and Dan Robinson were the next best.

O’Keefe worked extremely hard for his 21 touches and 12 tackles, while Tom Mitchell picked up 20 disposals in his return from an ankle injury.

The Swans reserves are in action next Sunday when they travel to Wollongong to face Ainslie at North Dalton Park from 12pm.

Sydney Swans reserves  3.4   4.7    5.7     5.8 38
UWS                                   2.2  4.7  6.14  10.21 81

Goals – Nankervis, Membrey, Towers, Dick, Dobson